Lagos Police Arrest Two Suspects Over Killing of 17-Year-Old UTME Candidate

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested two suspects, Elijah Emmanuel and Tony Ekwane Oghanetega, in connection with the killing of a 17-year-old Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) candidate, Thompson Omokhafe Adams. The case has also exposed an alleged wider criminal network linked to kidnapping and murder.

Police said the suspects were arrested during coordinated intelligence-led operations in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State. The operation followed days of surveillance after the killing of the teenager, who was reportedly targeted after returning from an examination centre.

According to the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, the arrests are part of broader security operations that led to the detention of 118 suspects in one month for offences including armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, and illegal possession of firearms.

Investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly confessed to killing the 17-year-old to cover up another crime. Police sources said the victim had reportedly identified one of the suspects before his abduction and killing.

A police source further disclosed that the suspects lured the teenager before attacking him. He was reportedly tied up and strangled after being taken to a secluded location. Investigators said both suspects took turns in carrying out the act.

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The police also linked the duo to an earlier kidnapping and murder case in November 2025, in which a female victim was abducted and killed after a ransom of ₦300,000 was collected from her family.

Authorities said the pattern of operations suggests involvement in organised kidnapping activities targeting victims for ransom and later eliminating them to avoid identification.

The Lagos Police Command also revealed that during the wider operation, officers recovered several weapons and incriminating items, including locally made pistols, a Beretta pistol, dane guns, cutlasses, knives, telecom batteries, suspected cannabis, and charms.

CP Jimoh said the arrests demonstrate the command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing and ensuring public safety across Lagos State. He added that investigations are ongoing to track down other accomplices linked to the crimes.

The suspects remain in custody and are expected to be prosecuted after investigations are concluded.

Lagos Police Arrest Two Suspects Over Killing of 17-Year-Old UTME Candidate